Bates County Museum 50th Anniversary reception & open house well attended

Memorabilia of the 60's on display as part of the
 Bates County Museum's 50th anniversary

Despite blustery weather many turned out for an informative and entertaining evening in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Bates County Museum last night. Prior to the start of the program, those in attendance were treated to a free tour of the exhibits and a good looksee of the facility itself, as the former poor farm has been tastefully transformed into a showcase for our county's history as the Bates County Museum.

Over the course of the evening, Marketing Director Peggy Buhr highlighted upcoming events and projects for the museum including the Island Mound exhibit with log cabin and conversion of the Wilcox school into a church. 

Peggy Buhr served as emcee for the evening

Also noted are plans to renovate the west wing basement in the museum complex, as it would serve as a prime location for traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Museum and other revolving exhibits as well.

Buhr also pointed out that many artifacts are still in storage, in need of processing before they are ready for display- adding to the 'to do' list.

It was also revealed that the museum was gifted a surprise memento from Greg Mullinax, who recently purchased the funeral home property at Fort Scott and High streets. Mullinax is donating a lamp post from the property which was in place when Butler switched on the lights and became the first 'electric city' west of the Mississippi. The lamp post will be restored put on display in the near future.

Representative Barney Fisher presents Peggy Buhr with an official
Missouri State Blue Book

She also spoke of upcoming events for the museum, including celebration of the 110th birthday of the Nyhart school building, which will be held on Saturday, May 7th. As part of the celebration, the first 50 children who attend will receive a genuine gold coin. More details on the event will be coming soon.

•••••

A resolution to recognize the Bates County Museum
presented to Historical Society President Donna Gregory
by Barney Fisher

Over the course of the evening, Buhr recognized those present who have served on the board, made donations and worked to bring the museum to its current status.








The museum officers, board and staff would like to thank everyone for continuing to support the historical society and museum, looking forward to the next 50 years of preserving our local history.

 Northern Commissioner Randy Pike and County Commissioner
Donna Gregory present a resolution to Jim Fisher

Barney Fisher, long time supporter of the
Bates County Museum

Historical society board members with Donna Gregory- Jim Fisher,
Alan Mundey, Alvin Griffin, Stan Sechrest,  Terrie Jessup 
and Joyce Grainger

Doug Thompson received a proclamation and an award for his
craftsmanship, enthusiasm  and hard work on the museum building
and displays. 

Leroy Cook spoke of the generosity of Charles and Ed
Robertson. A large portion of museum renovation came
as a financial gift from the Ed Robertson estate.